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Northland Youth Choir Handbook Updated August 30, 2011 introduction | goals | Northland Youth Choir | instructional goals | acceptance | auditions | financial information performance attire l educational resources l tuition policies l rehearsal schedule l how to get updated info rehearsal attendance l procedures | resignation l performances | excused absences l performance procedures l concert dress | choir pins l dress uniforms l casual choir attire l uniform costs music l handling and care of music | volunteers | NYC parent association address and staff l Board of Directors l about Melissa Downes l about Janice Trumbull
Download a PDF version of the NYC Handbook
2011 - 2012 (Updated August 2011)
Melissa Downes, Founding Artistic Director / Janice Trumbull, Accompanist Northland Youth Choir P.O. Box 82699, Fairbanks, AK 99708-2699 Phone: (907) 388-0543 • E-mail: ncc2@gci.net Choir Web Site Address: www.northlandchoir.org Northland Youth Choir is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Northland Youth Choir members, eight to eighteen, are auditioned. The Choir is a music performance and education program for youth, emphasizing the development and understanding of music skills. Our choir has two performance levels, the Jubilate Choir and the Touring Choir. Placement of singers is dependent upon vocal skills and sight-reading ability as well as attendance, rehearsal participation and homework practices. The mission of this organization is to provide quality music instruction in a choral setting and to strive for excellence in choral performances. The choir offers an opportunity to help develop good character and self-esteem in its members hopefully resulting in life-long benefits to the individual members and society. The choir is open to youth from all cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds.
*To provide members with an opportunity to grow musically and socially
*To strive for excellence in all performances
*To enrich the perspectives and lives of choir members through the knowledge that they, as citizens of Fairbanks, represent their community
*To allow choir membership for youth of all cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds The Northland Youth Choir is founded upon the belief that young people will benefit from learning about the vast selection of available choral repertoire both sacred and secular. The music relates to sacred and secular traditions and is not selected to intrude upon anyone’s personal beliefs. It is essential that all singers be willing to sing all repertoire.
Musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form and style will be taught in rehearsals. The skills of properly using the voice, blending the voice and caring for the voice will be taught. Music theory and sight reading will also be part of the weekly curriculum. Choral singing is the primary focus of the choir, and it is the goal of the Director to help each member recognize the creative process of self-expression through singing. Hopefully, this will lead to a life-long appreciation of and involvement in singing for each choir member and family. All singers who have been accepted into the choir have demonstrated an ability to match pitch, sing in tune and use a pleasant voice quality within a group. They have also, during the audition process, demonstrated an interest in learning and a maturity level allowing them to follow directions and participate without disruption. They have verbally agreed to complete assignments when given. The development of unison and part-singing skills, along with basic music reading skills, are the focus of the choir. Singers are expected to practice at home daily:
Jubilate Choir 20 - 30 minutes Touring Choir 45 - 60 minutes Acceptance into the choir requires young singers to make a commitment which honors something larger than themselves. They should feel proud to be a member of our community choir and take that responsibility seriously. The choir season extends through the public school season beginning in August and ending in early June unless summer choral activities, i.e. choral festivals, are planned during specific years. During each season, at least two concerts are planned, one in the winter and one in the spring. If the choir is asked to perform at community functions throughout the year each request will be considered individually before accepting or rejecting the request. Each singer is expected to remain active and committed to the choir program for the entire term. The benefits and rewards will be sharing time and talent with other singers, musically and socially. All auditions are held in May and again in August. Unless all seats are filled, new singers are welcome to audition. Interested parents may contact the Director by phone at 388-0543 or by email at ncc2@gci.net. The Northland Youth Choir requires each singer to pay certain fees. The following summarizes the annual costs for singers in NYC. It is best if full tuition is paid upon acceptance into the choir. If full payment cannot be made, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of acceptance. The deposit will be applied to your tuition total. Families with more than one singer will receive a 20% reduction in tuition for the second child (see #3 under “Tuition Policies”):
Jubilate Choir Tuition $400 per season $200 deposit per child Touring Choir Tuition $500 per season $300 deposit per child PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: New singers to the choir will purchase a casual and a formal performance outfit. A few gently used uniforms may be available for purchase at a reduced rate. In formal performances, Jubilate Choir singers will wear white tuxedo shirts, black skirts (girls) and black dress slacks (boys) and a blue cummerbund for performances. Touring choir singers will wear a long black concert dress (girls), black tuxedo slacks/tuxedo shirt/cummerbund/bow tie (boys). All singers wear black hose and black dress shoes (no platform soles / no high heels)
ALL SINGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE THE PERFORMANCE ATTIRE. Each singer in Jubilate Choir will work from a theory and sight-singing workbook. Each workbook consists of an accompanying audio CD, a sight-singing booklet and warm-up exercises and a laminated keyboard. This format has been used by the authors to make the process of learning pleasurable and rewarding for young singers. Singers will take their workbooks home, complete the assigned pages and bring it to the next rehearsal for evaluation by choir personnel. There are six levels in this series, and the goal for each singer is to successfully complete all six levels of these workbooks over the course of three years or less. The cost of each workbook is $11.95.
Additional incidental costs to NYC families include: purchasing tickets to NYC concerts; donating a gift basket to the annual Holiday Concert Silent Auction fundraiser; providing cookies or other refreshments for donations at concerts; helping to fund your singer(s) travel/tuition to choral festivals every two to three years; the purchase of extra choir tee-shirts when traveling to festivals; spending money for singers when they tour; replacing lost or out grown uniforms. At this time, only the Touring Choir travels. 1. Tuition and uniform fees are due in full by September 30, 2011. Payment for the performance attire must be received no later than this date as we will order outfits from a company located outside of Alaska and need to have payment before ordering. Payment is accepted by cash, check or money order and should be made out to Northland Youth Choir. 2. Tuition for the entire year is due even if a child resigns from the program at any time during the season. Written requests for a waiver of this policy will be reviewed on a case by case basis. ALL TUITION AND FEES ARE DUE IN FULL NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 30TH. 3. Reduced tuition rates are available for families with more than one singer enrolled in NYC. In Touring Choir, full tuition ($500) will be paid for the first singer while a 20% tuition discount ($100) will be given for each additional singer per family ($400 for each additional singer). Jubilate Choir singers will pay $400 tuition while each additional singer in the family will pay $320 tuition. 4. Non-payment of fees may jeopardize a member’s place in the choir. FEES MUST BE CURRENT BY THE DUE DATE. 5. All checks returned to NYC by the member’s bank will be charged a $25 fee per item. 6. The following information is needed on any payment made to NYC: *Reason for payment (tuition, theory book, apparel, etc.) *Singer’s name (include last name if different from check remitter) 7. Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to Northland Youth Choir and mailed to:
Northland Youth Choir P.O. Box 82699 Fairbanks, AK 99708-2699
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE 2011 - 2012 Jubilate Choir and Touring Choir will rehearse once weekly at the First United Methodist Church located at 915 Second Avenue.
Jubilate Choir Monday 6:00 – 7:15 pm (preparatory choir) First United Methodist Church 915 second Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99701
(advanced choir) First United Methodist Church 915 Second Avenue (off Cowles Street) Fairbanks, AK 99701
Transportation to and from rehearsals is the responsibility of the parents, and because the church is very busy with meetings we ask that you be prompt when picking up your child.
NOTE: No one is available at rehearsals to answer the building telephones. If your child sings in the Choir and you need to reach the Choir Director on the day of rehearsal, please phone 388-0543 for Melissa Downes and leave a message and phone number where she may reach you. If you are unable to reach Melissa, please notify Janice Trumbull at 322-2325. HOW TO GET AND GIVE UPDATED CHOIR INFORMATION Please, before attending each rehearsal, check your email for any important updated information. All new choir families should contact Joni Robinson for an invitation to join our choir list serve. This will save the choir staff many hours of telephone calling when there is important information to get out to all choir members. Joni’s email address is jrobinson.ak@gmail.com. If you do not have access to the internet, please let Joni and the Choir Director know. You will be notified, to the best of their ability, by telephone or letter. THE COMMITTED CHOIR MEMBER IS EXPECTED TO BE CONSISTENT, PRESENT AND PUNCTUAL FOR ALL REHEARSALS. All rehearsals are mandatory unless specifically noted by the conductor.
Because new lessons and concepts are taught at each rehearsal, we encourage and expect each choir member to maintain a perfect attendance record. The only absences which will be excused are for the following reasons: severe illness; death in the family; participation in a school music program. All absences, even those deemed excused, must be made up, at the discretion of the Choir Director, at a scheduled make-up rehearsal. Any absence for reasons other than those listed above is viewed as an unexcused absence. Singers who have more than two unexcused absences per year risk removal from the program.
In the instance of a planned excused absence, written notice as far in advance as possible is appreciated. A Pre-Arranged Absence Form is available in the back of this handbook and may be given to the Choir Assistant or Director.
The
following practices help us achieve the discipline and quality of
education and performance the Director has set forth as goals for
Northland Youth Choir. They are enforced for the singers’ safety, for
ensuring orderly rehearsals and out of respect and courtesy for each
other. 1. Please arrive not more than 15 minutes before the rehearsal time, sign in with the choir assistant and report to the rehearsal area. Any member arriving more than 30 minutes late for rehearsals will be counted absent for that rehearsal. A written note is necessary for late admittance to or early dismissal from a rehearsal. Singers do not leave the room after signing in unless there is an emergency or special permission has been granted. Please use the restroom and get drinks before rehearsal begins. Singers may bring a bottle of water to sip when needed. Please make sure it has a lid or cap on it to prevent spills. No food, candy, gum or soft drinks are allowed in the rehearsal area. Please eat a nutritious meal before rehearsals. ALL CELL PHONES, PAGERS, ALARMS, ETC. MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING REHEARSALS. 2. Please give attendance notes, payments, permission slips, etc. to the choir assistant. 3. SINGERS MAY NOT ROAM ABOUT THE BUILDING. They need to be in the rehearsal room. 4. At all times show respect for each other, parent volunteers and the building which we are using. Do not behave in a manner which is disruptive to the rehearsal or distracting to students, directors or accompanists, or which prohibits a positive and successful rehearsal. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING: First Offense: verbal warning. Second Offense: removal from rehearsal. This is counted as an unexcused absence. Following the rehearsal there may be a brief meeting with the Director. The singer will sign a discipline infraction form which will be given to the parents. A copy will remain in the singer’s permanent record. Removal from a second rehearsal may result in a meeting with the singer, parents, Director and an NYC staff member. Removal from a third or subsequent rehearsal will result in a leave of absence from the program, the length to be determined on an individual basis. It may also result in removal from the program. 5. Running, yelling and rowdy behavior are not permitted in the building or on the grounds at any time. 6. Any singer caught with drugs, related paraphernalia or any type of weapon will be immediately removed from the program. 7. ALWAYS BRING YOUR BOTTLE OF WATER, MUSIC FOLDER, and MUSIC, TWO SHARPENED PENCILS AND ANY COMPLETED HOMEWORK TO REHEARSAL. BRINGING A TAPE RECORDER TO REHEARSALS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO HELP LEARN THE MUSIC. 8. If, for any reason, a singer cannot actively participate in a rehearsal, he should bring a written note, all music in its folder and observe quietly and attentively. 9. Members are responsible for taking home any handouts that are distributed at rehearsals. These notices are important sources of information and should be requested by the parents from the singer. 10. Parents and interested members of the community are welcome and encouraged to observe rehearsals as space allows. Please do not bring young children when observing a rehearsal. When picking up your child from rehearsals please do not ask your child to wait outside the building for you. For their safety, they will need to wait inside the building until they are picked up by a parent or family member. Please be prompt when picking up your child at the end of rehearsals. We expect each singer who has made a commitment to sing for the entire season to live up to that commitment. If, however, an extremely unusual circumstance occurs which would prohibit a singer from honoring that commitment, a personal conference between the Choir Director and parents will be required before submitting a letter of resignation. If a student resigns, the parent is still responsible for the entire tuition fee. Attendance is required at all scheduled mandatory performances. When possible, seasonal concerts will be performed on weekend afternoons or evenings to avoid conflicts with school performances. If, however, such a conflict should arise the priority is given to the school performance. If a school performance conflict occurs, the absence must be reported both in person and in writing four weeks prior to the performance. Jubilate Choir singers perform on the two seasonal concerts and any other time as designated by the conductor. They do not travel for performances as the Touring Choir does. Acceptable reasons for an excused absence from a MANDATORY PERFORMANCE: *Illness *Death in Family *School Music Concert
NOTE: ANY UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A MANDATORY PERFORMANCE MAY CONSTITUTE A REASON FOR REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM. Performances, as do rehearsals, require the very best in conduct, appearance and musicianship.
1. It is best if singers eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a concert. Be sure the singer has used the restroom prior to the concert. 2. It is best if singers arrive, in performance attire, one hour before the performance begins and immediately check-in with the choir assistant. 3. Any medication given to a singer less than 3 hours before a performance must be reported to the choir assistant and conductor. 4. Tardiness at a performance may exclude a singer from participation at that performance. 5. All performers must arrive attired in proper concert dress. Failure to wear proper concert dress will result in non-participation of that performance. This includes the correct color of socks for boys, hose and slips for girls. 6. Singers should conduct themselves at all times in a calm, polite and professional manner. They must give their undivided attention to the Director or person in charge at all times. 7. All singers must know and memorize the music, and each must have a confident command of the concert repertoire. Failure to demonstrate this at the final rehearsal may result in release from the corresponding concert commitment. 8. During a performance if a singer feels faint, he or she should quietly sit down on the riser and rest for the remainder of the song. Then, if feeling better, the child may get up and sing again, or if not feeling better, must quietly leave the stage. Chaperones will be watching and will help the child once offstage. Once a singer leaves the performance stage s/he may not return unless given permission by the Director. 9. Remember that at all times the singers represent the Northland Youth Choir. Note: Final dress rehearsals and pre-performance rehearsals are always closed to the audience, including families. Only designated chaperones will be allowed in the rehearsal area prior to a performance. This allows the singers to concentrate on the music, the Director and the final instructions being given by those in charge. Just as the Choir’s sound is important so, too, is the ensemble’s appearance. It is important that all singers maintain good personal hygiene, are well-groomed and in concert apparel for all performances. Shirts are to be tucked in. Clean teeth and clean combed hair are always expected of each singer, especially for performances. Hair should be groomed AWAY from the face and may be fastened with NATURAL (matching hair color) barrettes (no bows, ribbons, colored barrettes). No unusual colored hair dye, no skin dyes, obvious make-up or cosmetics are permitted. Clear nail polish is allowed. Jewelry, earrings (only stud earrings will be allowed), accessories, watches, etc. are not permitted. Due to certain allergic reactions, NO SCENTED LOTIONS, PERFUMES OR HAIR SPRAYS are allowed. CHOIR PINS are considered part of the uniform and will be worn for all performances unless the Director states otherwise.
After completing one full performance season each singer receives their choir pin and gold bar. For each year completed, singers will receive an additional gold bar showing the year. Choir pins are worn on uniforms when performing. First year choir pins and gold bars are included in the cost of tuition. If a pin is lost or damaged another will be provided for the cost of the pin and gold bars. All pants, shirts, and skirts will be purchased from the company of the Director’s choosing. Measurements for formal uniforms will be taken at least six weeks before the first performance to ensure arrival before the concert.
JUBILATE CHOIR GIRLS White tuxedo shirt, Long black skirt, Blue cummerbund Black dress shoes (no platforms or high heels) and black hose Choir pins, if they have one, are worn for performances.
White tuxedo shirt, Black dress slacks, Blue cummerbund Black dress shoes and black hose Choir pins, if they have one, are worn for performances.
TOURING CHOIR GIRLS Long black concert dress
BOYS Black Tuxedo Slacks/Tuxedo shirt/Cummerbund/bow tie
BOYS AND GIRLS Black Hose. Black Dress Shoes (No platform soles / No high heels) On certain occasions the Choirs will perform in casual choir uniforms. This will be the choir’s navy mesh polo shirt with our choir logo, brown khaki slacks or skirts, brown braided belt, clean white athletic shoes and white athletic socks.
Navy blue polo shirts with our choir logo, khaki slacks and the belt are purchased by each family from the Lands End School Uniform Catalog, Fall 2011. On the back of the catalog is our Preferred School number (9000-7382-6) to be used when ordering casual uniforms. NYC provides families with a catalog and the ordering information so that you may order your own casual uniform. To save on postage, families may combine their orders and place one large order.
Please keep both outfits and shoes clean and neat for all performances. Please note: Prices are subject to change.
Casual Uniform**: (Ordered from Lands’ End Fall School Catalog) Northland Youth Choir Preferred School #: 9000-7382-6
(Logo costs extra)
**Costs also include the price of white athletic shoes and white athletic socks. When folders and music are issued it is the singer’s responsibility to take good care of them and not to lose them. All music must be turned in before each concert unless the Director instructs singers to keep it. All folders and music must be turned in by the last rehearsal in the spring. All pencil markings must be erased before handing in the music. If music or folders are lost, irreparably damaged or not returned, an additional fee will be charged to cover replacement costs. The fee will be $2.50 per piece of music or the total cost of a new folder and its lost contents. Please remember that music is to be used, not abused. 1. Music must be brought to all rehearsals unless you are notified otherwise. 2. Never fold or roll music as this makes it difficult to use in the future. 3. All markings should be done lightly, IN PENCIL, and only at the instruction of the conductor. Because each singer is assigned a music number it is not necessary to write your name on the music. Two sharpened pencils should be brought for note taking to each rehearsal. 4. If for any reason a piece of music is in need of repair, please do so properly with clear tape. As a non-profit organization, the Northland Youth Choir depends on volunteers. Volunteer opportunities vary from administrative assistance to special projects such as choral festivals and fund raising. All parents are busy people, and we know that many hands make for lighter work. All parents are expected to participate in the Northland Youth Choir Parent Association and to donate time to various committees and duties from time to time. The Association is responsible for organizing and participating in various choir committees. Different duties require different amounts of time. NYCPA needs volunteers to help: *hold offices for the current season *coordinate volunteers *check in singers at rehearsals and performances *occasional set up and take down of chairs for rehearsals *help with equipment transportation and use for performances *take measurements for singers’ performance outfits *oversee communications for the choir, including a telephone tree *monitor singers before & during performances and during intermissions *develop and organize fund raising activities *coordinate choir activities such as socials and awards ceremonies *assist with coordinating performance tour and travel arrangements every 2-3 years *set up home stays for visiting choirs (rarely necessary) *photograph events
*To help offset costs associated with presentation bouquets, choir socials and other incidental expenses incurred by the Parent Association, a $20.00 dues fee, per family, will be charged to your choir account. The mailing address for Northland Youth Choir is: Northland Youth Choir Phone: 907-388-0543 P.O. Box 82699 Email: ncc2@gci.net Fairbanks, AK 99708-2699
Joni Robinson: 907-457-2202 or jrobinson.ak@gmail.com Choir Website Address: www.northlandchoir.org
Founder, Artistic and Education Director, Melissa Downes, oversees all aspects of the organization and conducts Jubilate and Touring Choir rehearsals and performances.
NORTHLAND YOUTH CHOIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Silver Chord Marvilla Davis Melissa Downes Mary Ann Fathauer Virginia Farmier Janice Trumbull Foster Wallace David Wilcoxson
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, MELISSA DOWNES Melissa Downes is a general music educator for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Presently teaching music at Barnette Magnet School, she has taught music at Immaculate Conception Grade School, Weller Elementary, Hunter Elementary and Ticasuk Brown Elementary. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in voice from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. She has taught voice through her private studio and has adjudicated locally for high school Regional Solo and Ensemble Competitions. In addition, she has taught music classes and conducted choirs at the UAF Summer Fine Arts Camp. Mrs. Downes has studied with internationally recognized choral director and founder of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Henry Leck. She completed levels one and two of the “Creating Artistry” conductor’s workshop held at Butler University in Indianapolis and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Also, during her studies at Butler University she worked with choral conductor and composer, Ruth Dwyer. She has been a presenter for the Alaskan Music Educator’s Association statewide conference at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks where she and the Northland Youth Choir demonstrated techniques for developing the young singer’s voice. In 2004 and 2005 she combined talents with Ruth Dwyer to establish the Northern Lights Choral Festival, a joint effort to bring children’s choirs and youth choirs from the United States and abroad to Fairbanks for cultural exchange and choral performance. A soprano, Mrs. Downes has performed recitals at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont and Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. She sang for fifteen years with the Alaska Chamber Chorale, under the direction of Marvilla Davis, has sung operatic roles with the UAF Music Department’s Opera Workshop, and has sung as soloist for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. She has studied voice with Marvilla Davis, John Hopkins, Byron McGilvray and Louise McLelland. Mrs. Downes is a member of the National Association of Music Educators, Alaska Music Educator’s Association (AMEA) and the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA). ABOUT OUR ACCOMPANIST, JANICE TRUMBULL A product of the Fairbanks school system, Janice Trumbull is a graduate of West Valley High School. While in high school she was selected for the Alaska All-State Honor Choir three times, was selected to represent Alaska in the All-Northwest Honor Choir, and was invited to participate with America’s Youth in Concert for their summer European Tour. She graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. Recently retired from teaching a 4th-5th-6th grade multi-age class at Joy Elementary School, she has taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, as well as general music. Miss Trumbull studied piano with Delores Heine and James Johnson and is currently studying voice with Marvilla Davis. She has been in a number of FLOT shows, including leading roles in The Sound of Music and The Secret Garden. She sang for years with the University Chorus and is a frequent soloist in the annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah. Ms. Trumbull sings and plays the piano at University Park Bible Church, and sang for many years with the Alaska Chamber Chorale. She has sung in China with the Washington Chorale, a combination of singers from the Tacoma Symphony Chorus, the Yakima Symphony Chorus and several invited singers from Fairbanks. Now on to new adventures, Janice operates her own school, Northern Lights Academy, where she continues what she does so well… teach!
Thank you Northland Youth Court Parent Association
We would like to acknowledge and thank all members of the parent association for the dedication they show in support of their children’s music education.
Our choir would not be the dynamic, |
Melissa Downes Founder & Artistic Director
Janice Trumbull Accompanist
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Site ©2010 Northland Youth Choir l P.O. Box 82699 Fairbanks, AK 99708-2699 l Phone: (907) 388-0543 • Email: ncc2@gci.net